Name: Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3½ cups seedless red grapes; 3½ cups seedless green grapes; 4 ounce (½ 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened; 1¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed; 1 tsp lemon juice (about ½ of one small lemon); 1¼ cups walnuts, chopped and divided; ¼ cup light brown sugar

There’s something truly delightful about the mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures all in one bite—that's exactly what makes my Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe so special. It’s fresh, sweet, and just a little indulgent, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a refreshing snack on a warm day.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a creamy grape salad, showing two layers of green and purple grapes coated in a thick white dressing. The salad is topped with small pieces of light brown chopped nuts and some light brown crumbs scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with part of a light blue cloth in the background, and the grapes and dressing have a glossy texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this grape salad countless times, and it never fails to impress. The balance between creamy cream cheese, tangy Greek yogurt, and the sweet pop of grapes—plus the crunch of toasted walnuts—makes it feel like a little celebration in a bowl. It’s surprisingly easy, too, which is always a win!

Fresh and creamy combo: The blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt creates a luscious, tangy base that’s lighter than traditional mayo-based salads.
Sweet and nutty texture: Brown sugar adds the perfect sweetness while chopped walnuts give you that satisfying crunch.
Super versatile: This salad is a great side dish but works equally well as a refreshing dessert or snack.
Easy to customize: Whether you want to add marshmallow cream or experiment with different nuts and fruits, this recipe welcomes your tweaks.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl full of small round grapes in red, green, and yellow colors, all covered in a thick, creamy white sauce. On top of the grapes and sauce are small pieces of chopped nuts, adding a light brown texture and contrast. The grapes are tightly packed and glossy from the sauce, creating a rich and creamy look. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this grape salad plays a special role. The seedless grapes bring juicy freshness, while cream cheese and Greek yogurt provide creamy tanginess that makes every spoonful luxurious. Walnuts add crunch and warmth, and the brown sugar pulls it all together with just the right touch of sweetness.

Flat lay of vibrant seedless red grapes and green grapes scattered alongside a block of soft cream cheese and a bowl of creamy plain Greek yogurt, with a small heap of golden brown sugar and a fresh lemon wedge for the juice, complemented by a neat pile of chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of light brown sugar crystals, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Seedless Red Grapes: Choose firm and plump grapes for that perfect juicy pop—red grapes bring a lovely color contrast.
Seedless Green Grapes: The crispness of green grapes balances the sweetness and adds visual appeal.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is the creamy glue that gives the salad richness without overpowering the fruit.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Adds tang and lightness, making the salad feel fresh rather than heavy.
Brown Sugar: Lightly packed brown sugar sweetens the mix with subtle molasses notes.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash enhances the flavors and keeps the cream mixture bright.
Walnuts: Chopped for crunch and a toasty flavor – split them so the crunch is evenly distributed.
Light Brown Sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top, adds a little extra sweetness and texture to the presentation.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this grape salad is how flexible it is! I often play with the toppings or even swap out nuts depending on what I have handy. Don’t hesitate to make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes stir in a dollop of marshmallow cream for extra sweetness and a fluffy texture—my friends love it when I bring this twist.
Fruit Add-ins: Feel free to toss in chopped apples or sliced strawberries to amp up the freshness.
Nut swaps: Pecans or sliced almonds also work perfectly if you want a milder crunch.
Extra crunch toppings: A sprinkle of crushed pretzels or graham cracker crumbs on top adds unexpected texture that keeps people asking for more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Grapes Thoroughly

Begin by giving both your red and green seedless grapes a good rinse in a strainer under cold water. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels—this step is crucial so the salad doesn’t get watery. I always double-check mine because dry grapes help the cream coating stick better!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

In a large bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, plain Greek yogurt, brown sugar, and lemon juice until smooth and fully combined. The lemon juice brightens it up and balances the sweetness—don’t skip it! Use a whisk or even a hand mixer for a silky texture.

Step 3: Fold In the Grapes and Walnuts

Gently add the grapes to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and stir just until every grape is coated. Then fold in about 1 cup of the chopped walnuts evenly to mix that wonderful crunch throughout the salad.

Step 4: Chill and Garnish

Cover your salad and refrigerate it for at least an hour—overnight is even better as it allows all the flavors to marry beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining walnuts and a little light brown sugar over the top for extra texture and sweetness. Serve it nice and cold for the best experience.

Top Tip

From my many tries with this grape salad, I’ve learned that getting the grapes completely dry and chilling the salad well really takes it from good to great. Here are a few more tried-and-true tricks:

Dry Grapes Seriously Matter: Wet grapes dilute the creamy dressing, so make sure to pat them dry thoroughly before adding.
Softened Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese come to room temperature for easier mixing. Cold cream cheese lumps won’t blend well with yogurt.
Chill Time is Crucial: Refrigerate for at least an hour so the flavors can meld together – I often make mine the day before a gathering.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep grapes intact and avoid a mushy salad.

How to Serve Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this grape salad with the reserved walnuts and a light dusting of brown sugar for a little sparkle. Sometimes, I’ll add a few fresh mint leaves just for a pop of color and subtle freshness. If you’re feeling festive, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm twist.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or turkey—a classic summer combo. I’ve also served it alongside a hearty green salad with vinaigrette or with crusty bread and cheese for a light lunch. Its freshness balances richer main dishes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving grape salad in an elegant glass trifle bowl layered with additional fresh fruit or a swirl of honey over the top. You can also portion it into small mason jars or individual cups for easy, pretty servings at parties. Presentation like this always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover grape salad keeps nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s covered well so the cream cheese mixture doesn’t dry out. If you find the cream thickened a bit after sitting, give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this grape salad; the grapes and creamy components don’t thaw well and can get watery and separated. It’s better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to bring it closer to room temp, let it sit out for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese blend slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any other types of grapes for this salad?

Absolutely! Seedless red and green grapes are classic and add nice colors, but you can use black grapes or even a mix of smaller, seedless grape varieties you like.

Is Greek yogurt necessary, or can I substitute it?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang with fewer calories than sour cream or mayo, but you can substitute with regular plain yogurt or sour cream if you prefer. Just watch for extra liquid and adjust accordingly.

Can I make this grape salad vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan or dairy-free twist, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt. The flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious!

What’s the best way to serve this grape salad for a party?

Serve it chilled in a beautiful bowl with extra walnuts and brown sugar sprinkled on top. Consider portioning it into mini cups or jars for easy grab-and-go servings that look appealing and reduce mess at gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Grape Salad with Cream Cheese, Greek Yogurt, and Walnuts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. There’s something comforting about the creamy texture mingling with fruity sweetness and crunchy nuts that always brings smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this salad as much as I do—it’s definitely one to keep in your recipe rotation for easy entertaining or a delightful everyday treat.